Bloomfield
Bloomfield Public Library will host a free seminar on Qualifying for Medicaid on Friday, Nov. 16, at 3 p.m., presented by attorney Rhonda M. Benjamin. Benjamin has been practicing law since 1991. She specializes in Medicaid, preservation of assets, guardianships, trusts and estates, elder law, divorce, real estate, and estate planning.
A book discussion and lecture series about great science fiction authors continues at the library with a discussion on H.G. Wells and “War of the Worlds” on Saturday, Nov. 17, at noon.
The lecture will be presented by Ken Sibanda, a lawyer, filmmaker and science fiction writer. Sibanda wrote “The Return to Gibraltar” and is currently filming “V17,” a science fiction prequel to his feature film directorial debut, “Vindicator. ” He gives readings and lectures on a variety of topics involving history and importance of the science fiction genre and the black narrative. Sibanda returns on Dec. 8 to discuss Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
Unfortunately, the children’s library will be closed due to lack of heat. However, children’s staff will be available in the adult library to help. The Quiet Study room will be the temporary HQ of the children’s staff area and young children and their caretakers are welcome to come visit.
Storytimes, crafts and other programs will continue as scheduled in the adult library.
The library’s book club will meet on Monday, Dec. 3, at 6:45 p.m. in the board room to discuss “Little Bee” by Chris Cleave. A Nigerian refugee called “Little Bee” recalls her terrible past. An English woman named Sarah has trouble managing her young son after her husband’s suicide. The influence these two women have on each other’s lives will be indelible. For more information or to request help in locating a copy of the book club selection, call the reference desk at 973-566- 6200, ext. 502.
The Watsessing public workshop, originally scheduled for Nov. 8 at the Bloomfield Civic Center, has been cancelled and will be rescheduled either for later this month or for early December. The Township of Bloomfield has been awarded a grant to create a Transit Oriented Design Plan for the Watsessing neighborhood.
Community stakeholders gave their ideas and vision for the area around the Watsessing Train Station.
The public is invited to come out and review the draft vision and goals for the neighborhood.
Analyze the circulation and zone maps. Provide your feedback through interactive displays.
Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center is excited to host Grape Adventures – A Winetasting Event on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m.
Just in time for holiday entertaining, the evening will feature experts offering advice and answering questions about selecting wines and pairing them with your favorite foods. Guests will sample fine wines from around the world and enjoy tasty hors d’ouevres. The cost is $30 per person.
Reservations are required. Please call the Oakeside office at 973-429-0960.
Harrison
The Harrison Cancer League, in conjunction with the Harrison Board of Health, will be conducting breast screening and pap tests for any uninsured resident on Nov. 27 at the Board of Health office, 318 Harrison Ave., beginning at 5 p.m. For an appointment, call Maria Bradley at 862-763-0047. Appointments are limited.
The Harrison Cancer League is conducting a toy drive for the Valerie Fund, which works with children and young people, infants to age 21, who have been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing treatment. Put a smile on the face of just one child by donating an unwrapped new gift or gift card. Gifts can be dropped off at the following locations, through Nov. 30, Monday through Friday: Harrison Community Center, 401 Warren St., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Harrison Board of Health, 318 Harrison Ave. Annex, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Harrison Senior Center, 221 Harrison Ave., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kearny
The Kearny Elks Hoop Shoot will be held at the PBGC, 663 Kearny Ave., on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. All Kearny boys and girls ages 8 to 13 are eligible to participate. You must bring a copy of your birth certificate. Ron Pickel, youth activities chairman will supervise the basketball contest. If you have any questions, please call Tom Fraser, executive director of the PBGC at 201-991-6734 or Ron Pickel at 201-463-8447.
Local published author Laurie Perrone will lead a special free of charge holiday story time with her self-published book “Can You Imagine Plaid Flowers?”, at Kearny Public Library, 318 Kearny Ave., on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m. This program is intended for children ages 3 to 6. There will be light refreshments, a game with a prize and Perrone will be available to sign purchased books.
Perrone will also be promoting her debut young adult novel “The Fire in Grace: Coming Home,” available for pre-order on the author’s Web site www.plaidflowers.com. Call the Main Library at 201-998-2666 or visit <www.kearnylibrary.org> for more program information.
Kearny UNICO will be holding its next monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. Anyone interested in attending the meeting and/ or learning more about Kearny UNICO should contact Chapter President Lou Pandolfi at 201-368-2409. New members are always welcome.
Public safety will be the topic of guest speaker Chief John Dowie of the Kearny Police Department at the regular meeting of the Evening Membership Department of the Woman’s Club of Arlington on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Henrietta Benstead Center, Columbia Avenue, Kearny.
Lyndhurst
The Lyndhurst Health Department will host its bi-annual blood screening on Friday, Dec. 7. Appointments begin at 8 a.m. This blood screening will include a chemistry profile, cholesterol level, blood count, and thyroid level. This service is available to Lyndhurst residents over the age of 18 for a $20 fee. Preregistration is required and appointments can be made by calling 201-804-2500. Payments can be submitted in cash or checks made payable to Medical Laboratory Diagnostics.
The Humane Society of Bergen County, 221-223 Stuyvesant Ave., Lyndhurst, has a supply of dog food, both canned, dry and treats, available (at no cost) to anyone due to unemployment, disability, or any other financial problem cannot afford to feed their dog. Just stop by or call 201-896-9300 for more information. Hours are: Monday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Humane Society of Bergen County will be doing Christmas gift wrapping at the Barnes & Noble Stores in Clifton and Paramus. If you could find time to help us please call 201 896-9300 and someone can give you the available dates and times for both locations. The Lyndhurst Health Department has free flu vaccines and free TDaP (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis) vaccines available for Lyndhurst residents over the age of 18. According to CDC guidelines, flu vaccines should be taken on an annual basis. Tetanus boosters are recommended to be taken every 10 years. Please call the Lyndhurst Health Department at 201-804-2500 to schedule an appointment.
The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services – Disaster and Terrorism Branch, are coordinating statewide efforts to help individuals and communities manage the emotional impact of the storm. Assistance is offered through a toll free Disaster Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-294-HELP (4357). A TTY line is available for persons who are deaf and hearing impaired at 1-877-294- 4356. Signs of distress may include any of the following physical and emotional reactions: sleeping too much or too little, stomachaches or headaches, anger, feeling edgy or lashing out at others, overwhelming sadness, worrying a lot of the time, feeling guilty but not sure why, feeling like you have to keep busy, lack of energy or always feeling tired, drinking alcohol, smoking or using tobacco more than usual, using illegal drugs, eating too much or too little, not connecting with others, feeling like you won’t ever be happy again, rejecting of help.
A special holiday Tricky Tray to commemorate the 100th anniversary of St. Michael’s Church, Lyndhurst will be held on Sunday, Nov. 25, at the Senior Center on Cleveland Avenue (off Valley Brook Avenue). Doors will open at noon and calling starts at 2 p.m. For tickets, call the rectory at 201-939-1161 and ask for Mary Ann or call Mary Lou at 201-933-2186.
The Meadowlands Environment Center, Two DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst will host a “Turkey Trot” on Sunday, Nov. 18, from 1 to 2 p.m. Learn about the star of Thursday’s dinner. The program will include some history, a scavenger hunt for kids (with prizes), and a great cranberry sauce demonstration and takehome recipe. Admission is $5 per person and $4 for MEC members. Note: The Environment Center is open for this event only. Due to storm damage, the rest of DeKorte Park is closed to the public indefinitely.
The Woman’s Club of Lyndhurst is looking for new members, women age 18 or older, who are willing to volunteer their time to bettering their community. The club meets once a month on the second Wednesday of the month. The next meeting is Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Lyndhurst Community Center on Riverside Avenue. The club presently volunteers at the local food b bank and works to raise funds to help the homeless. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to attend the next meeting. There is no obligation to join at that meeting.
North Arlington
North Arlington Music Parents Association is sponsoring a craft fair and holiday bazaar on Friday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus hall, 194 River Rd., North Arlington. A 50/50 and mini Tricky Tray will be held during the evening. There will be a table for Cash for Gold. For vendor space, contact Georgann Reyes at georgeann.reyes@verizon. net or 201-463-5115.
The Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus Council #3428 will be sponsoring its annual Fall Blood Drive on Friday, November 23, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Council Hall, 194 River Road, North Arlington. For further info, please call 201-988-0183.
The Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus Council #3428 will hold its annual breakfast honoring its deceased members on Sunday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m., at the Council Hall, 194 River Rd., North Arlington. The cost is $5 and is open to all. Tickets can be obtained at the Council Hall, at the Queen of Peace Rectory, and by calling 201-988- 0183.
Vendors are wanted for the North Arlington Woman’s Club annual holiday bazaar on Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus, 194 River Road, North Arlington. The cost is $25 per table (approximately 8 ft. of space) and one item for donation for raffle. All proceeds for the event are donated to local charities. For more information or to request an application, please contact Christine Robertson at 201-577-1088.
